The Year of our Lord, Jesus Christ
Revelation 1:18
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
It seems that every statement of the Lord Jesus is more bold and startling than the last. After stating that He was the first and the last He goes on. I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore… It is one thing to live and die. But to live, die, and then come back to life on earth. Wow! That’s exactly what Jesus did.
For thirty-three years He was alive. For three days He was dead. Now for over two thousand years He has been alive, and will be for evermore. We are told by those who study such things that the book of the Revelation was written sometime around 95 to 97 AD. Jesus was crucified sometime around 27-29 AD. Meaning that John is now seeing Jesus on earth about 68 years after His resurrection. But you know what?
Jesus is still alive today. One day, perhaps very soon, He will appear again. John even said so eleven verses earlier: Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. (Revelation 1:7) Rest assured that Jesus Christ is alive and well today, He is on the job, ever present, and ready to seek, save, and serve!
Back to Jesus’ message to John. I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore. This is the confidence of the saints, the security of the saved, and the heart’s desire of the sanctified. The old song states “without Him I could do nothing” which is true. It’s based on John 15:5 wherein Jesus said I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. Without Him we can do nothing, with Him we can do all things. All things that are within His divine will and way of course.
Jesus has more to say to John, but for today live in light of this. Jesus said I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore. Amen, and Amen.
Until next time,
William T. Howe, Ph.D.
Comments